Maintaining Your Ram 1500: Beyond Oil Changes and Tire Rotations

There's more to owning a Ram 1500 than just enjoying its power, comfort, and adaptability; you have to take the appropriate steps to make sure it's well-maintained, which gives you the confidence you need to go anywhere and tackle any terrain. Your Ram 1500, like any other vehicle, requires regular care to keep it running well and prevent costly repairs down the road. While oil changes and tire rotations might be the first things that come to mind-and are vital for a number of reasons-there are a few other chores your truck will need to keep it in peak condition.

The good news is that our team can assist you with basic preventative maintenance, thanks to our state-of-the-art Ram service center and our factory-trained technicians. You can easily schedule service with us online, by phone, or by stopping in and asking about the next available appointment. Additionally, if you have any questions for our team, we're more than happy to answer them for you. Keep reading to learn about a few additional maintenance tasks you'll want to pay attention to to ensure your Ram 1500 continues to work as it should.

Exploring the Maintenance Needs of the Ram 1500

First, you might wonder about the benefits of working with a skilled team like ours for your Ram's maintenance. The truth is that today's trucks are incredibly advanced, with complex computer systems, multiple sensors, and electronics that control a number of functions. Our team can not only fix any issues that might arise, but we also have the required tools to diagnose those issues properly and complete any necessary repairs.

A Ram 1500's maintenance needs go beyond oil changes and tire rotations. Below are some of the other needed services you will likely encounter if you plan to own your truck for a long time.

Transmission Fluid Service

Your Ram 1500's transmission is critical to its overall performance, but it doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Over time, the transmission fluid may get contaminated or deteriorate, resulting in sluggish shifting or transmission wear. The recommended schedule for a transmission fluid change is every 60,000 miles.

However, this depends on the driving conditions. If you regularly use your truck for trailering and towing or you often drive in harsh conditions, that interval might be reduced to every 50,000 or 40,000 miles. Paying attention to this maintenance task will help prevent overheating and improve the life of your transmission.

Brake System Maintenance

Your Ram 1500's braking system is key to keeping you and your passengers safe. While you might think you'll only need to worry about the condition of your brake pads, the system actually has a few other components that must be maintained as well. For instance, when you bring your truck in for a brake inspection, we'll check the brake fluid, rotors, and calipers, all of which require upkeep to ensure your truck can safely stop.

Since your braking system has several components, you'll have to pay attention to a few milestones to know when service is needed. For instance, brake pads should last at least 25,000 miles and typically longer, but that point is a good time to have them assessed. Driving conditions and how you use your truck come into play here as well, so if those conditions are harsh or you consistently use your truck for towing large loads, your brake pads may wear down sooner.

To ensure your braking system is working as it should, it's a good idea to schedule a brake inspection with our team every year. During that inspection, we'll check each of the components and provide you with a report that outlines what is in good condition, what requires attention, and what might need to be fixed in the future.

Coolant System Check

The coolant system in your Ram 1500 prevents your engine from overheating, which means that maintaining it is critical to avoiding costly engine damage. The good news is that new coolant formulas last much longer than previous ones. This means that the coolant in your truck might last up to five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. When your truck hits that mark, our team can flush the system and refill it to ensure it can continue to regulate the engine's temperature effectively.

It's worth noting that while the coolant doesn't need to be flushed that often, the level should still be checked regularly, such as when you bring it in for an oil change. Finally, we'll also examine the hoses and the radiator itself, checking for leaks or clogs that might cause issues.

Differential and Transfer Case Fluids

If you have a four- or all-wheel-drive Ram 1500, you should pay attention to the differential and transfer case. These components are critical for transferring power to all four wheels and require correct maintenance. Like other fluids in your truck, these will degrade over time. Replacing them ensures continuous protection against excessive wear and overheating.

When fluid should be replaced depends on your driving habits and a few other factors. Under normal conditions, the transfer case fluid needs to be changed every 80,000 to 90,000 miles. However, if you typically go off-road or tow with your truck, that number is cut in half, requiring a change every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. For differential fluid, normal driving conditions require a change every 50,000 to 60,000 miles, while more aggressive driving generally requires a change every 30,000 miles.

Suspension and Steering System Inspection

The Ram 1500 is designed to handle rough terrain, but all that jostling will eventually wear down the suspension and steering components. This system includes shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, and bushings. Each of these components should be checked for excessive signs of wear and tear to ensure they continue to perform as they should.

For instance, it's a good idea to have shocks and struts checked every 12,500 miles and replaced every 50,000 miles. If, however, you notice the drive has become increasingly bumpy, talk with a member of our team to see if they need to be assessed.

Cabin and Engine Air Filters

While they may appear insignificant, air filters perform a critical function in ensuring that you and your engine receive clean, dust-free air. The cabin filter guarantees that the air inside the truck is clean and free of pollen, dust, and other pollutants. It's a good idea to replace it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or sooner if you travel in a dusty environment.

Meanwhile, a clogged engine air filter can significantly impact power and fuel efficiency. It should also be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or more often if your drive is particularly dusty, which can occur if you regularly go off-roading.

Battery Care and Replacement

Your Ram 1500's battery powers everything from the ignition to the electronics. Ensuring it is in good working order eliminates frustrations and keeps you on schedule. Along with testing the battery, its terminals need to be checked for corrosion that may naturally appear over time. As far as the battery itself, typical units last between four and five years, but they should be tested annually to be on the safe side.

Schedule a Service Appointment Today

Oil changes and tire rotations are only part of the maintenance required for your Ram 1500. Regular upkeep of important systems such as the transmission, brakes, suspension, and engine components will keep your truck running at its peak for years to come. Our team can help you maintain the appropriate service intervals and avoid breakdowns and costly repairs, ensuring your Ram 1500 is always prepared for whatever the road-or the off-road-throws at it.